How to elevate your style & reduce over-consumption
by Imogene Whittle, Personal Stylist & Spree with Me founder.
In a world where trends come and go, it's crucial to recognise that our clothing choices have a significant environmental and social impact.
Building a wardrobe that transcends trends and embraces sustainability isn't just a fashion statement— it's a responsibility we owe to our planet and future generations.
At Spree with Me Personal Stylists, we believe in elevating style while minimising the impact of over-consumption in the fashion industry.
And as a Personal Stylist, my goal is to curate a wardrobe that not only showcase your individual personality and is reflective of your style and lifestyle, but one that also aligns with sustainable practices.
Follow these actionable tips to redefine your style and embrace a more conscious, eco-friendly approach to fashion.
Together, we can make a difference, one stylish step at a time.
1. Embrace Your Existing Wardrobe: Rediscover treasures you already own
The first step to a sustainable wardrobe is appreciating what you already own.
Take the time to sort through your wardrobe and you might just find hidden gems waiting to be worn again.
Knowing and embracing your existing collection is the foundation of a mindful fashion journey.
Spree with Me Personal Stylists can assist you in your wardrobe at home if you already have lots of clothes but you’d like new inspiration on how to style your pieces. We can document your outfits for you also in this ‘shop your wardrobe’ session, or as part of a wardrobe audit.
“Building a wardrobe that transcends trends and embraces sustainability isn’t just a fashion statement—it’s a responsibility we owe to our planet and future generations. ”
2. Know Your Own Style & Avoid Blindly Following Trends
Understanding your personal style is a crucial step to avoiding the pitfalls of trend cycles. By understanding your style profile or archetype, you can liberate yourself from fleeting trends and embrace your unique identity. Do you know your style profile or what defines your signature style?
Your style should resonate with how you wish to feel every day, how you aim to be perceived, and how you desire to be treated by the world.
In fact, confidence in your personal style serves as the most impactful accessory you can wear.
Take a deep dive into your essence - explore who you are, your aspirations, the art and music that inspire you, and visualise the future version of yourself you aspire to become.
If you seek assistance in understanding your style, every personal styling consultation with a Spree with Me Personal Stylist includes the exploration of your style archetype. We are dedicated to helping you cultivate and develop your signature style.
3. Wardrobe Wisdom: Recognise Gaps and Creating a Wishlist
Now that you know what you understand and embraced what your new style is, you may recognise gaps that exist in your wardrobe. Curate a wishlist of items you’d like that aligns with your unique taste – remembering that fashion trends come and go, but your style is eternal.
This list can include both wardrobe basics and interesting style items - I call these the ‘sprinkle of personality’. An example of a wardrobe basic is quality blue jeans. An example of a style item is a statement top.
Having a wardrobe wishlist not only streamlines your shopping decisions but also ensures that every addition to your closet is intentional. It also significantly helps reduce impulse shopping.
Impulse buying is a common pitfall in the world of fashion. Combat it by adhering to your wishlist. Each purchase should be a step towards completing your ideal wardrobe, and over time, you'll witness a curated collection that truly represents you.
You don’t need to purchase all of these items on the list in one go, even when you are shopping with your personal stylist - but having this list will help you to create a cohesive look as you cross off each one over time. Your Spree with Me Personal Stylist will help you decide what’s missing and what to add on your wardrobe wishlist if you’re not sure.
4. Quality Over Quantity
Make the decision to invest in quality garments that stand the test of time. Prioritise investing in well-made pieces that will last longer and resist the temptation of trendy but fleeting items.
Be selective about the materials and craftsmanship of your clothing to not only reduces the frequency of purchases but also contributes to a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry.
Quality over quantity doesn’t necessarily refer to the most expensive designer pieces. Have a high standard for all items you purchase before you consider bringing them home, even op-shop items.
If you’re not sure what to look for to judge quality and longevity, your personal stylist can give you pointers. And if you would like greater confidence in investing in luxury items, your Spree with Me Personal Stylist can help you decipher what’s best value.
5. Try It On, When You Can
If you’re buying online, make sure to carefully check the material, know your measurements, and compare them to the size chart - as Australian sizing lacks consistency.
When shopping online, it's essential to try items on whenever possible. With a growing trend of ordering multiple sizes to find the right fit, it's worth noting that many stores hesitate to resell items returned via post.
If you're still unsure about purchasing online, consider reaching out to your personal stylist, connecting directly with the boutique, or reading online item reviews for additional guidance.
And sometimes trying on an item can help you resist purchase regret or stop you from obsessing over a piece. Try it on.
“Your style should resonate with how you wish to feel every day, how you aim to be perceived, and how you desire to be treated by the world.
Confidence in your personal style serves as the most impactful accessory you can wear.”
6. Pause Impulse Buys: Create tactics to resist the temptation.
The urge to impulse purchase can be strong. Combat it by implementing a waiting period or seeking the professional opinion of a personal stylist.
Before adding an item to your wardrobe, ask yourself:
Is it on my wishlist?
Can I wear it in three or more different ways?
If it's not on your wishlist, give yourself a time delay tactic, such as a standard 'cooling-off period' before making a purchase to avoid impulse buys.
Creating a folder on Pinterest or your phone can be helpful for this purpose. This way you can reflect on it, and compare it to what’s already in your wardrobe to make a more level decision.
Trust me, this works. I see so many beautiful clothes as a personal stylist that I would adore to own, but I have quickly learned to be choosy.
Additionally, establishing a monthly clothing budget and sticking to it can prevent overspending on impulse buys. Consulting with a personal stylist can also ensure that each addition to your wardrobe not only looks great but also aligns with your style goals and helps you avoid regrettable purchases.
7. Care is Key: Extend the Life of Your Favourite Items
Extend the life of your clothing by practicing proper care in washing your items.
It’s better to let an item wait a week than to risk washing it incorrectly. For delicate items, consider getting dedicated to a little handwashing and drying them in the shade. Regular maintenance and mindful washing not only preserve the quality of your garments but also contributes to a more sustainable fashion cycle.
Even with a busy lifestyle, this is possible. In all honesty, I personally steer clear of items that require dry clean only and I avoid ironing altogether. With young children at home, sometimes something’s gotta give… I do love wearing delicates, however, so I commit to handwashing and using a steamer.
8. Are You Ready To Elevate Your Sustainable Style?
If you're ready to embark on a journey towards a sustainable and stylish wardrobe, our Spree with Me personal stylists and I are here to guide you.
From defining your style to identifying wardrobe essentials and providing shopping support, we can help you to make choices that resonate with your unique identity and are also aligned with sustainable and purposeful fashion.
Fashion is not just about what you wear; it's also about why you choose what to wear and how you wear it. Elevate your style and make a positive impact on the world—one conscious choice at a time.
FEATURED SPREE
personal styling with imogene
Personal styling in Brisbane with Spree with Me’s founder where you’ll connect with your authentic style.
Understand the styles, shapes and shades that best suit you and your personality.
Styling package includes a personalised style consultation, a curated style inspiration board, a tailored shopping wishlist, in-person shopping and styling, and additional online shopping support to perfect your look.